Lee County School District is facing a projected $92.4 million budget shortfall next school year, forcing officials to spend more than $45 million in capital reserves to help close the gap — while still cutting hundreds of teaching positions and programs. On August 18, voters will choose between an incumbent who says the board is already reining in spending and a challenger demanding a forensic audit to account for every dollar.
Author Archives: Rhiannon Rashidi
Rhiannon Rashidi is an accountability journalist with a passion for stories that investigate harm and the systemic failings that allow it to continue. She has spent years reporting in New York City, primarily covering housing, criminal justice, and immigration. Rhiannon is currently a journalism master’s student at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. Rhiannon received her bachelor’s degree in Comparative Literature from the City College of New York, where she served as the editor in chief of the student run legacy newspaper. Her work has appeared in NBCU Academy, PEN America, WNYC, and Gothamist. She was previously a fellow with NBCU Academy, The Nation, the Inner Circle, and PEN America. Rhiannon was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she was a competitive dancer and horseback rider.
You can reach Rhiannon at rhiannon.rashidi@floridatrib.org